The Impacts of Climate Change on Maritime Sector and Shipping Activities - Term Paper Example

THE IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON MARITIME SECTOR AND SHIPPING ACTIVITIES and The Impacts of ClimateChange on Maritime Sector and Shipping Activities Introduction Different theories explain how the world came into existence. From scientific explanations to religious Chronicles, we can see how the world developed. However, that is not the focus of this paper. It is also evident that the world has been evolving or rather changing with time. Over centuries, the environment has been changing as well taking with it those plants and animals that could not adapt to the changes. Animals like the dinosaurs are now extinct. Oceans and seas used to be clean and unpolluted, but that is no more. We used to have stable climates, but that is a thing of the past making the climate now the concern of many nations (Ashton 2012). As said before, we used to have stable and predictable weather patterns and climate as well. This has, however, changed drastically leaving us with fewer chances of predicting what the weather would be or what the climate would be in a few years’ time. As such, it is the drastic changes in weather patterns as observed over a period of years that is referred to as climate change. We cannot precisely predict when and how much, rain would fall. The preceding has been attributed to the gaseous emissions from industries all over the world with particular reference to the developed countries (Millar et al. 2007). The emission of fluorocarbons in uncontrolled amounts by the industrialised world has led to damage to the ozone layer that is the protective layer against the harmful rays. There has been an increase in hazardous gases that trap the heat escaping from the earth making universal temperatures rise rapidly. The seas and oceans that form a large part of the universe have been raising as well a matter that is attributable to changing weather patterns (Millar et al. 2007). If the world sits and watches, these happen then the human, animal and plant population would be at risk because all these three depend on the climate. Varying temperatures may affect the way plants and animals reproduce (Hannah 2008). Further, it would be difficult to determine when the rains would be favourable for a certain type of agriculture. Rising seas would impact negatively on the sea activities among other inconveniences incidental to climate change (Ashton 2012). Many conferences have taken place in an effort to tame the wildly rising concerns for climate change. Starting from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in 1992 we saw the journey towards emission-free movement. The Kyoto Protocol sought to reduce the amount of gases emitted by the industrialized countries. It was a treaty organised and held in Kyoto Japan in the year 1997 (Breggin 2012). Through the protocol, parties to it are required to reduce their emission amounts by a certain percentage over a set period. As such it is an obligation put on these industrialized countries. Annex B to the Protocol lists the countries that are a party to it and the commitments they made towards achieving the objects set in the Protocol (Barnosky et al. 2012). How Climate Change Is Affecting Ocean and Coastal Environments Now and In Future It was mentioned before that climate change has affected almost every sphere of life because most human and animal activities depend on stable climate and weather patterns. One of the most affected by the climate change trend is the maritime life and sea activities that make great use of the waters. Because of the change in world climates especially in the Northern icy parts there has been ice meltdown that has adversely affected sea water levels. This has made it difficult for the shipping industry to conduct its business effectively (Saunders et al. 2007). Further, because of the rising sea level, the coastal areas have been submerging making it difficult to predict the future of the coastal settlement and economic activities as well. The rising sea levels have highly hit construction of seaports to promote international trade. Thus, it is evident that with time there would be no or fewer sea ports around the coastal areas making it a negative economic impact. However, in other areas where the ice is melting we see a positive economic impact. The ice leaves space for the exploitation of marine minerals and gives room for marine life (Saunders et al. 2007). In relation to marine transport, the climate change challenge is twofold. Firstly, shipping activities are responsible for the changing climate trends because of their emissions. These emissions have been attributed to the increase in the number of ships that rose to almost 70% in the last three decades. Based on that, it is evident that the industry is responsible for the changes in world temperatures and weather patterns to some extent (Saunders et al. 2007). Secondly, because of the change in climate it has emerged that sea levels have been changing making it hard to predict the state of ports that facilitate international trade. In addition, climate change has affected sea water temperatures a matter that raises concern for the marine life. It should not be forgotten that high temperatures may also trigger stronger and destructive sea and ocean currents making it hard to navigate and predict ocean events such as hurricanes (Saunders et al. 2007). Thirdly, with the above taking place, the coastal communities would be in trouble as they would be rendered homeless or without income generating activities especially for those who depend on the sea for livelihood. Also because of the high carbon and other gases dissolving into the seas, marine life would be nothing but history. Biodiversity would be affected as well (Saunders et al. 2007). Fourthly, acidity in the seas and oceans has had a negative effect on the development of coral reefs. Coral reefs are habitat for some marine life that provides sources of several medicinal products such as antibiotics and other substances of medicinal value. Tourism also depends on the waters with coral reefs providing great scenery and would be affected if ocean acidity is not regulated. Of importance also is the role played by reefs in protecting the coastal lines from erosion and storms (Saunders et al. 2007). It has been seen that changes in ocean pH leads to corrosion of the reefs. This is according to the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) which has been observing bleaching of the reefs. NOAA further says that some reefs may be resistant to corrosion, but that may not be sustained if ocean acidity keeps on rising instead of reducing (Saunders et al. 2007). Lastly, over time, the trend has been an upward one with temperatures, sea level and acidity rising with time. Currently, the water levels and marine life may not be much affected. However, something is done to counter climate change to reduce the mortality rate of sea animals few years’ time (Heller and Zavaleta 2009). The sea waters would also be covering the already limited and submerging lands leaving the over-populated world with nowhere else to live and sustain their lives. International trade would also be highly affected as over 50% of world trade takes place through the oceans. Countries like Japan that depend on oceans for their fish industry would have no economic activities within a period from now (Heller and Zavaleta 2009). How Shipping and Maritime Activities Are Likely To Be Influenced By Climate Change It has been established that climate change has an impact on shipping and maritime activities in different ways. Climate change is responsible for a number of seas and ocean-related events such as rising water levels, acidity and ocean currents (Parmesan 2006). Rising water levels make it hard to establish and construct sea ports. These are crucial to international trade most of which takes is made possible by the oceans. Acidity may result in the death of sea animals that may adversely affect navigation in one way or another. The death of all marine life has the possibility of bringing out to the surface, and this poses a threat to the established navigation routes (Parmesan 2006). Rising temperatures are a common phenomenon of climate change. Temperature changes in water bodies have the effect of triggering currents and, therefore, may lead to ocean currents that would thus trigger waves in the oceans. With that in mind, it is definite that unpredictable ocean waves may hamper sea transport. This may call to the shipping industry to come up with methods to go about the problems associated with unpredictable seas (Parmesan 2006). Also, shipping companies may be forced to establish new routes to avoid losing their merchandise and boats as well. Among the means to counter the ocean events, there is a high possibility that new ports would be constructed in other areas that are less prone to waves and ocean currents. However, this may not be a long-time solution as it would be unpredictable posing uncertainties and high costs of constructing ports (Hobbs and Cramer 2008). Taming Greenhouse Gases Footprint of Shipping Because of threats of climate change in different areas, efforts have been made by national and international bodies. Countries have arranged efforts to reduce global emissions at national and international conferences. For instance, the Climate Change Convention was set in order to stabilize and tame atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases. This was aimed at stopping the continuous interference with the climate by these hazardous gases (Hobbs and Cramer 2008). One of the treaties brought forward was the Kyoto protocol that was tabled in 1997 and came into force in the year 2005. The countries party to the treaty vowed to reduce the rates of emission by the agreed percentage after a set period. Before 2005, that is in the year 2001 a meeting held in Morocco to give more detailed directions on how these signatories had to implement the proposals set in the 1997 Kyoto protocol. Under the implementation procedures, the member states had to have met some set requirements by the end of 2012 from 2008 (Kyoto Protocol Reference Manual). Amendments were made to the Kyoto Protocol in the year 2012 in a meeting held in Doha Qatar. These amendments are known as the Doha Amendments to the Kyoto Protocol. Here, member states were ready to take the Kyoto Protocol to the next stage after meeting the requirements set in for the first stage. Of late, the shipping industry has been said to be responsible for part of the global greenhouse gas emissions. For instance, the UK has reports of producing about 2% in shipping-related emissions (UNFCCC 2011). Most of the shipping emissions of carbon dioxide gases are attributed to inefficient fuels and consumption ability of the ships. The sources of greenhouse gases, as listed in the Kyoto Protocol, were not exhaustive as some like shipping emissions were left out. It was not until recently that it was noticed that the shipping industry is also a growing source of these unwanted gases. There was no accepted treaty or way of enforcement of the restrictions on shipping emissions prompting the European Union to take another route that would seek to reduce such emissions. It was because there was no globally accepted agreement on the same. European Union was to do that through regional programmes. Good enough, there were some hopes as the Transport and Climate Commissioners sought to find the out on the possibility of there being such kinds of emissions and if the amounts warranted global action. This was done in early October 2012, and it did not work out well as there were no strict measures made to prevent such ship emissions of carbon dioxide. It was not until late October 2012 when the responsible Council accepted it. It was directed that the use of fuels with sulphur be rarely used by ships across the European Union waters. European Union countries had to ensure that no sulphur fuels were used in their countries within two years’ time. The two years’ timeframe is what the European Union countries had to enact national laws to that effect (UNFCCC 2011; Cf. IMO). Other regulations made to the effect of protecting marine areas include the Polar Code. This code borrows from other treaties aimed at protecting and safeguarding seas from the rising pollution from ships. The code is one of the works by the International Marine Organization which is based in the United Kingdom. The organisation through the Polar Code seeks to protect both the Arctic and Antarctica regions (IMO). At the time of writing this paper, the Marine Environment Protection Committee is sitting in London to seek the adoption and enforcement of some provisions set in the Polar Code. The Polar Code is set to start operating in 2017 after the adoption of most of the provisions set within. Furthermore, it is in the interest of the Polar Code to prevent oil-related pollution; preventing any form of pollution related to noxious liquids. Also in the objectives of the Polar Code is the prohibition and prevention of any form of garbage pollution into the seas (IMO). Several committees have been formed to the effect of protection of the polar code and other functions of the IMO. For instance, the Maritime Safety Committee is at the peak of the technical department. The membership is not limited to any number of countries as all the member states can be in the committee. Some of the roles played by the Maritime Safety Committee include helping in navigation matters, handling dangerous and fragile cargoes, the safety matters around the maritime and other formalities among other functions (IMO). The Maritime Environment Protection Committee is another committee formed within the IMO with the sole mandate to perform any duties that are allowed. One of the functions of the MEPC is ensuring there is no pollution from ships and as the Marine Safety Committee; the MEPC is also open to any member state. We also have the Legal Committee, which was specifically formed to deal with legal matters that may arise. It was necessary to have a legal committee especially after the Torrey Canyon disaster that left many questions to be answered. To add to the above, we have the Technical Co-operation Committee that is responsible for the implementation of IMO projects (IMO). The last committee under the International Marine Organisation is the Facilitation Committee. The roles played or rather, the mission of the Facilitation Committee is to liberalise international shipping. It works to mitigate between the tough and sometimes lengthy formalities involved in international shipping. It is further involved in the implementation of other factors that are crucial to realising the Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic of 1965 (IMO). All the above mentioned is directed at ensuring there is no further harmful gaseous or other forms of pollution released into the atmosphere and national and international waters. Indeed, it is not a single mans fight if at all the problem of the world climate is the target. All countries have to come together to avert the future problems that threaten both human, animal, aquatic and plant life. It has been identified as a problem to ensure that countries become dedicated to controlling world emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants affecting our environments. For instance, some countries are not signatories to the Kyoto Protocol or any other treaty meant to campaign against the rising threats to climate. A treaty may be drafted, but not every country would be ready to be fully bound by the provisions. Still, some countries may adopt but would not ratify the protocols thus making it difficult to enforce. Further, there is no special forces or way to ensure compliance with any of the treaties and any country may withdraw from a convention whenever they want (Breggin 2012). In most instances, there is the difficulty in having countries to sign treaties that they think might not be of benefit to them. Further, it is difficult to convince States that see an agreement as not in their best interest to become members of a treaty. For instance, uncertainty is identified as one of the reasons why the United States withdrew from the Kyoto Protocol. Under the leadership of President Bush, the then President of the United States, United States withdrew from the treaty. They explained that there was something missing that they ought to have been informed of for them to find a good reason to support the treaty (Breggin 2012).. Treaties have always been left at the mercy of the member states to adopt, ratify and enforce. This does not sound good at all given the nature of the treaties that are being put in place. We have further seen member states of the Polar Code meeting make some provisions mandatory so as to try and avoid leaving any room for the avoidance of the treaty requirements. Arrangements such as the Polar Code need not be left at the will of the signatory countries. For that matter, the on-going 2015 meeting by the Marine Environment Protection Committee is one of its kinds as it would seek to find long-term solutions to the problem of climate change. Some of the strategies employed for instance by the Kyoto Protocol include stimulating the development of national policies to that effect. The Convention gave insight to other non-member countries to start laying their foundations on preventing or restricting activities that may contribute to environmental degradation and climate change. This was a good motivation as climate change is not only a problem of the industrialised nations but a worldwide problem that needs everyone’s participation. Because there are no other means of ensuring compliance than asking the relevant governments to come up with environmental protection and conservation policies, it remains an issue in trying to enforce compliance (Kyoto Protocol Reference Manual). Other than the above, the requirement to meet deadlines on the implementation of some provisions also motivates member states to comply with the treaties. In most cases, they are given the time to make good their promises to abide by the treaties hence allowing them to create local legislations to that effect. Legislation on international pacts and the process of ratification is not a onetime issue as some laws have to pass through a process before being imposed on nations. Lately, there are requirements that need exhaustive public participation so that every citizen is given the chance to inspect the diction and meaning of the treaties that would bind them (Kyoto Protocol Reference Manual). Also, there are grants from international bodies and non-governmental organisations to ensure that countries that have no legal frameworks for environmental protection get a basis. Further, communities are also encouraged to protect the environment and to practice environmental friendly activities such as green farming and chemical-free agriculture. There are also members that have been given time or encouraged to show compliance after meeting some of the guidelines set forth in the agreements. It is always after showing the continuous progress that they are allowed to move to another stage of the signed agreement or be absorbed into more activities outlined in the signed treaties (UNFCCC 2011). One of the ways to further promote compliance is through the setting of clear goals and objectives. This is usually done by identifying what should be included in the short-term goals and long-term goals. As previously stated, the timeframe that is usually given to countries to legislate on such agreements and also establish institutional frameworks towards achieving the goals set by the Protocols (UNFCCC 2011). It was also mentioned that climate change is not a problem of the developed countries alone. As such, developing countries have been brought into play in a bid to develop well-informed sustainable development plans. Because of the lack of proper technology and finances to meet the requirements of international agreements on environmental safety, industrialised countries and other stakeholders take the responsibility. They provide necessary implements to mitigate the high costs associated with making and implementing these plans. There is also a means of recording one country’s progress and needs if any, that would help meet the treaty objectives (UNFCCC 2011). This is facilitated by a registry that is availed for countries to fill in information about their progress. In the registry, one can, therefore, get information that is crucial to facilitating the meeting of treaty goals and objectives. As a result, countries feel supported, and they would be motivated to work towards meeting the set targets. Also, by monitoring through both national and international registry. It enables those who provide support to the developing or needy countries to monitor how their resources are being used and ensure that they are used for the intended purpose (UNFCCC, 2011). On another occasion, the Cancun Adaptation Framework was developed to provide more support to the member countries. Through the creation of an Adaptation Committee much was to be achieved in terms of implementation (UNFCCC 2011). Provision of technical support and guiding to the countries among other services makes it possible to ensure that countries continue to enforce the environmental protection agreements that are intended to avert climate change. National Adaptation Plans were also developed thanks to the Adaptation Committee’s efforts to help interested countries. As such, developing countries or least developed states as they are sometimes called, managed to come up with short and long-term goals towards the call (Breggin 2012). If efforts towards climate change are embraced by each and every country regardless of their status, it is estimated that the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere would change by the year 2050. Additionally, through the plans put in place by the Polar Code and the European Union countries it is possible that shipping emissions and pollution of the sea by sea vessels would drastically reduce. In this case, it helps keep our sea and ocean waters safe for both marine and aquatic life. The efforts made by the different committees by the International Marine Organisation towards ensuring the safety of the seas and oceans would avert not only pollution but also the safety of the waters (UNFCCC 2012). The move to have one international treaty to the effect that every country is brought on board to work towards averting continued climate change is a well-informed one. The conference held in Durban by the international community worked towards coming up with a universal document that would ensure that every nation plays a role in saving the world. This Convention brought together the proposals made by different previous conferences including the Kyoto Protocol, Cancun Agreements, and the Bali Action Plan. Among the resolutions made was that a document to the effect of making one strong legal framework that is all-inclusive be made. The time frame was set to start running as from the year 2015. The Durban meeting was a convergence of world countries and was held in the year 2011. From the words of the President, it was hailed as one of the best way forward towards saving tomorrow while still in the present. This underscored the possibility of avoiding more effects to the climate today than waiting till late when things may be out of control (UNFCCC 2012). By countries coming together to control the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere it is a good move to stabilizing the deteriorating state of the atmosphere. With time, it is possible that our atmosphere would be kept clean thus preventing threats of global warming and acid rain. In conclusion, it would be unwise to have all those conferences now and then without any measure of success. The best way to know if the climate change problem is being tamed is through finding out about the progress made so far. On that note, it is important to mention the following as some of the measures of the progress made by the various conferences since the first. Among them, we have calls for sustainable development all over the world. Countries are being encouraged to come up with means of production that would provide those present in today’s world without threatening the livelihood of those to come in future (Ledlow 2008). As such, many countries have embraced the idea of finding alternative sources of energy to prevent the overuse of natural resources. On that point, solar energy is being widely used as an alternative to old sources of energy. Because of the conventions and the resources availed to many countries, methods of handling garbage and other waste materials have been improved. From careless dumping in the rivers and oceans to more controlled waste management techniques it is definitely a move in the right direction (Ashton 2012). In addition, industrialised countries have forged mechanism to control the amount of greenhouse gases. The reports on the progress made available to the world environmental management bodies such as the UNEP reveals that (Ashton 2012). With the former taking care of land related affairs, the latter takes care of water related pollution more specifically ocean and sea pollution. Lastly, most of the proposals made in the different conferences on climate change have been used by many countries in coming up with their policies on environment protection with an eye on climate change. National Action Plans is among one of the ideas brought from the strategies laid down by various committees on climate change. Indeed, climate change is not a one man fight and as such, it can only be won if the world came together against the threat. References Ashton, J 2012, ‘How Green is My Occupy? Rio+20 Environmentalists Team With #OWS. 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Accessed on 12th May 2015 from http://unfccc.int/meetings/durban_nov_2011/meeting/6245/php/view/decisions.php UNFCCC, Kyoto Protocol Reference Manual http://unfccc.int/kyoto_protocol/items/2830.php Read More